Jonathan Creek to return for 2013 special

The BBC has confirmed a new one-off 'Jonathan Creek' special will air on BBC One in Easter 2013, with Alan Davies reprising his role as the titular character and Sheridan Smith returning as his assistant

'Jonathan Creek' is to return for a one-off special next year.

The BBC has confirmed the mystery series will air in Easter 2013 with a 90-minute episode, 'In The Clue of the Savant's Thumb', which will see Alan Davies reprise his role as the titular character and Sheridan Smith return as his assistant and fellow investigator Joey Ross.

Alan - who has portrayed the mystery-solving investigator since 1997 - admits he is "very much looking forward" to donning Jonathan's trademark duffle coat once again, and he is delighted Sheridan is returning to the show.

He said: "The new story has more than the usual amount of twists and surprises, and I'm very much looking forward to sleuthing again. I can't wait to join Sheridan Smith on set again; we're very lucky to have her.

"It's nearly 17 years since I first auditioned for the part; the duffle coat is always on standby, even if the periods of duffle-hibernation are quite long these days."

The one-off BBC One special is being written by the show's creator David Renwick and sees the mystery-solving duo aim to figure out the miraculous disappearance of a body in front of three witnesses at a girls' boarding school.

Pete Thornton, Creative Head of BBC In-House Comedy, added: "A new Creek script from David is always a joy, and this one is especially brilliant. With the dream team of Alan Davies and Sheridan Smith back on board, we're looking forward to delivering a really special Easter treat for BBC One audiences next year".